Page 62 of Click of Fate

The space between us narrows until it’s just a breath. I lift a hand, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. Her eyes flutter closed, just for a second, and when they open again, they’re softer.

I lean in, slow, giving her every chance to pull away.

She doesn’t.

The kiss is gentle. Thoughtful. The kind of kiss that says,I see youand I’m not going anywhere—not unless you tell me to.

She kisses me back with a hesitation that feels less like fear and more like wonder. Like she doesn’t quite believe it’s safe—but she wants to.

When we part, her eyes search mine.

“Goodnight, Luke.”

“Night, Trouble.”

She smiles, but she doesn’t correct me this time.

The door closes behind her with a soft click.

I walk back to my car slower than I need to, letting the night air cool the fire still low and steady in my chest.

I let the door swing shut behind me and toss my keys on the counter.

The place is dark, save for the faint blue light of the cable box, but I don’t bother flipping a switch.

I don’t need light to know what I’m feeling.

This is new.

Not just Stella. All of it. I’ve had relationships. I’ve had hookups. I’ve been in love, and I’ve been left. But I’ve never had to work this hard to earn someone’s trust. Never wanted to.

Until now.

She makes it complicated, sure. But she also makes it worth it.

She’s the kind of woman who doesn’t hand over pieces of herself unless she’s sure you’ll hold them carefully.

And tonight, she gave me one.

Not all of her. Not yet. But enough to know this isn’t nothing.

And hell if I don’t want to earn the rest.

Chapter 15

VERY COMPLICATED PUZZLE

STELLA

I don’t noticethe envelope until I’m halfway through my second cup of coffee, sitting barefoot at the kitchen table, sunlight hitting the corner of Harper’s floral placemats.

It’s buried under junk mail—catalogs, an offer for gutter cleaning, and a Highlights magazine. But the return address makes my stomach dip. It’s from the property management group that I rent the house from.

This can’t be good.

I tear it open, bracing myself. And there it is.

The owner has decided to put the house on the market. I’m being given first option to purchase.

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